Analysis of Processing Parameters to Avoid Additional Oxygen Contamination During Production of Zr-based Bulk Metallic Glasses by Suction Casting in an Arc-melting Furnace

This study first reports details of a successful arc-melting furnace in the production of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). Also, the study presents the results of a statistical experiment evaluating critical processing parameters that can increase oxygen concentration and its effects on the glass forming ability (GFA) of two Zr-based BMGs. The experiments on Zr₄₈Cu_46.5Al₄Nb_1.5 BMG composite found that using low arc-current (200 A), short melting time (11 s), positive pressure of argon inert gas trapped in the synthesis chamber, and the absence of prior melting of a Ti-getter results in a lower oxygen contamination in the produced alloy. The second experiment using the Vitreloy 105 BMG alloy proved the previous findings.

Keywords:
Bulk metallic glasses, Glass forming ability, Arc-melting; Suction casting, Ti-getter